Monday, May 6, 2013

Eldritch History in the Making! Good evening, fiends! A most momentous even will occur this August 20th. The unveiling of the H.P. Lovecraft bronze bust will occur in Providence, Rhode Island.The project was initiated by artist and filmmaker Bryan Moore. Moore has previously sculpted and cast bronzes of Abdul Al-Hazred, Brown Jenkin, and Lovecraft himself. He’s also adapted The Cool Air into a short film. He sells his wares through the Arkham Bazaar website (The Bizarre Bazaar). The same site is operated by the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society. Moore’s bronze pieces are among the most detailed and life-like I’ve ever seen. His incredible depictions of the Cthulhu mythos are worthy of even the most jaded art collector, or experienced horror fan. Moore reached his anticipated goal of 30,000 dollars in only three days! The kickstarter-based campaign was so successful that Moore extended the monetary goal to 35,000. It took no time at all before that goal was reached as well. This would have seemed a pipedream only ten years ago. Now, artists, filmmakers, writers, and the like can independently fund projects with ease. All it takes is a click of the mouse.The project also received sponsorship from Fangoria Magazine, Lionsgate Films, and Scream Factory DVDs. Rewards for donations were very generous, and far ranging. They included limited edition t-shirts, a Mike Mignola sketch of Hellboy, and dinner with filmmaker Stuart Gordon (of Reanimater, and Dreams in the Witch House fame). The bronze bust of Lovecraft will be installed on the grounds of the Athenaeum Library in Providence. Lovecraft himself was a patron of that library, and often relied on it for research material. In addition to the realistic depiction of Lovecraft, the statue will bare his famous epitaph, “I am Providence!”So far, 2013 has been a good year for both Lovecraftians, and horror fans of all stripes. The unveiling of the statue is a massive step for all horror-kind! The installation of a Lovecraft statue is long overdue. His influence is so vast and diverse, that Lovecraft is rightly considered, “The Father of Modern Horror.” How, he is immortalized for eternity. Or, until Cthulhu comes!